Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Project Ugly Horse: Part V]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Slippery Slope



I've had a healthy appreciation for cars that stop since one truly unfortunate incident with a runaway 1971 Lincoln Continental.

It's funny how quickly a party can turn from, "We're all having blast" to "What happened to the front of the house, and how many stitches do you think this is going to take?" Standing in a Mustang salvage shop in Kodak, Tennessee, I couldn't help but feel I had strayed into the latter territory with Ugly Horse. There was a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 plucked from a rear-ended Cobra sitting off to my left. The shelves were lined with second-hand Roush and SVT components galore, but I couldn't stop staring at a set of rotors with the approximate diameter of my chest.

Plucked from a 2003 Mach I, the package deal included a set of five-lug hubs, 13-inch rotors and dual-piston PBR calipers for the princely sum of $300. If you're paying attention, that figure is nearly 3/4 of what I paid for my whole Mustang. Still, I've had a healthy appreciation for cars that stop since one truly unfortunate incident with a runaway 1971 Lincoln Continental 12 years ago, and the hardware that was staring me in the face should be enough to pull the freckles from my skin should I get serious with the brake pedal in the Fox. I fished three slumbering 100 dollar bills from my wallet, laid them on the counter with a wince and walked out with a set of parts that set this project down an entirely different path.

Need to catch up on Project Ugly Horse? You can check out earlier posts here!

Continue reading Project Ugly Horse: Part V

Project Ugly Horse: Part V originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1989 ford mustang2003 ford mustang mach ibrakeschrysler 300featuredfive-lug conversionfordmustangproject ugly horseugly horseMon, 11 Feb 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455682/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/project-ugly-horse-part-v/20455682/article-detail.xml 20455682 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/front-wheel-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/front-wheel-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy puts out APB on missing Sonic brake pads, issues recall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We report on a lot of recalls, and most are seemingly innocuous defects that require the solar system to perfectly align before anything catastrophic could happen. Then there are recalls like this one for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic that appear to be much more dangerous than they probably are.

It turns out that Chevrolet let a few Sonics built between June 2 and November 21 leave its factory in Orion Township, Michigan minus a brake pad. General Motors claims that of the 4,873 Sonics built during that time, some 20 to 30 may be missing either an inner or outer front brake pad. The company says 4,296 of the potentially shoe-less Sonics were sent to the U.S., while 577 migrated north to Canadian customers.

A car minus just one inner or outer brake pad doesn't lose its ability to stop, but its braking performance will suffer and there is the possibility that other elements of the braking system, like the caliper or rotor, could be damaged as a result of their omission.

GM vows to notify all potentially affected Sonic owners and install any missing pads and, if necessary, replace any calipers or rotors free of charge.

Continue reading Chevy puts out APB on missing Sonic brake pads, issues recall

Chevy puts out APB on missing Sonic brake pads, issues recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet sonic2012 chevy sonicbrake padbrakeschevroletchevysonicsonic recallFri, 30 Dec 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137835/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/2012-chevy-sonic-brake-pad-recall/20137835/article-detail.xml 20137835 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/13-2012-chevrolet-sonic-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/13-2012-chevrolet-sonic-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy and Outback models recalled over excessive brake pedal travel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/2012-subaru-impreza-legacy-and-outback-models-recalled-over-exc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/2012-subaru-impreza-legacy-and-outback-models-recalled-over-exc/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/01/2012-subaru-impreza-legacy-and-outback-models-recalled-over-exc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The 2012 Subaru Impreza is just now going on sale, but it's already facing its first major recall. According to a statement from Subaru of America, all 2012 Impreza models built through November 15 are being recalled to replace the brake master cylinder after a number of customers reportedly noted that their cars have "greater than normal" brake pedal travel. The automaker issued a formal statement saying:

While the brakes in the affected population remain operational, repairs involve replacement of the brake master cylinder to correct a potential brake pedal travel condition that is greater than usual.

Subaru's statement also cites that 2012 model year Legacy and Outback models built between October 17 and November 23 are also being recalled for the same problem. The exact number of affected cars has not been released at this time.

What's more, according to CarBuzz.com, Subaru issued a memo to its dealers on November 25 mandating a Stop Sale "effective immediately for 2012 Imprezas as well as certain 2012 Legacy and Outback units." In its official statement - available after the jump - Subaru does not officially confirm that these models are being grounded at its dealerships.

Continue reading 2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy and Outback models recalled over excessive brake pedal travel

2012 Subaru Impreza, Legacy and Outback models recalled over excessive brake pedal travel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 subaru impreza2012 subaru legacy2012 subaru outbackbrake master cylinderbrakesimprezalegacyoutbackrecallsafetysubaruThu, 01 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20115872/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/01/2012-subaru-impreza-legacy-and-outback-models-recalled-over-exc/20115872/article-detail.xml 20115872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2012-subuar-impreza-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/01-2012-subuar-impreza-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW working on carbon-ceramic brakes for M5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW M5 Brakes

Word has it that BMW is working on some serious stoppers for its M5. According to Bimmerfile, Dr. Herbert Diess, a member of the BMW board of management, has confirmed that the company is currently testing carbon ceramic discs for the M5 and upcoming M6. Brake supplier Brembo has teamed up with SGL Carbon for a joint venture to manufacture the discs, and Brembo is already responsible for bits like the multi-piston calipers already at work on the 2012 M5.

So, when we can we expect to see carbon discs on the performance sedan? That still remains unclear. Diess says that the hardware is at least another year out from production, which dovetails nicely with the scheduled arrival of the M5 on American shores. Even so, no one is saying whether the brakes will come as part of an optional package or as standard equipment on the 2013 model. Stay tuned.

BMW working on carbon-ceramic brakes for M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m5bmwbmw m5brakesbrembocarbon ceramicm5Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065744/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/bmw-working-on-carbon-ceramic-brakes-for-m5/20065744/article-detail.xml 20065744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-m5-brakes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-m5-brakes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda CX-9 being investigated for brake fluid leak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/mazda-cx-9-being-investigated-for-brake-fluid-leak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/mazda-cx-9-being-investigated-for-brake-fluid-leak/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/mazda-cx-9-being-investigated-for-brake-fluid-leak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mazda CX-9

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation (read: not a recall) into the braking effectiveness of 2008 Mazda CX-9 crossovers. The reason? NHTSA received data from Mazda indicating a "high number" of warranty claims and reports related to the vehicle's braking system.

The NHTSA probe will examine reports that leaking brake fluid could degrade braking effectiveness of approximately 37,000 Mazda CX-9s. NHTSA says no injuries or accidents have been reported in connection with the CX-9's braking system, but the Agency has released this statement: "When brake fluid leaks into the vacuum booster the driver can experience reduced brake effectiveness which can result in extended stopping distance."

This preliminary investigation by NHTSA is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine the safety-related issue needs to be addressed by the automaker.

Mazda CX-9 being investigated for brake fluid leak originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 mazda cx-9brakescx-9mazdamazda cx-9national highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanhtsa investigationMon, 15 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20017908/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/15/mazda-cx-9-being-investigated-for-brake-fluid-leak/20017908/article-detail.xml 20017908 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/mazda-cx-9_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/mazda-cx-9.jpg <![CDATA[Man born without arms changes brakes on car with his feet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/man-born-without-arms-changes-brakes-on-car-with-his-feet/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/man-born-without-arms-changes-brakes-on-car-with-his-feet/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/man-born-without-arms-changes-brakes-on-car-with-his-feet/#commentsFiled under: ,

changing brake pads with feet
Matt Stutzsman changes his brake pads with his feet - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Judging by the fact that you're reading Autoblog right now, you most likely love cars. Yet spending all your time ogling the latest in auto news doesn't make you a mechanic, and we're guessing there are a significant number of you (and a few of us on here on staff) who don't change their own brake pads, among other things.

29-year-old Matt Stutzsman is one of those do-it-yourself wrench-turners, but unlike most of us, he was born without arms. To prove that he has the right stuff to change his own brakes, Stutzsman decided to pop by a friend's shop to change the brakes on his Pontiac Grand Prix, which he drives by using his left foot to operate the throttle and brake pedals, and the right foot for steering and other functions.

Hit the jump to watch video of Stutzsman changing his brakes with his feet without even breaking a sweat. What makes this video really compelling is that Stutzsman treats the nine-plus minute tutorial as a learning opportunity for the rest of us, and not as a way of showing what he can do without arms. Nicely done, sir!

Continue reading Man born without arms changes brakes on car with his feet

Man born without arms changes brakes on car with his feet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brake changebrakeschanging brakeshow-to videomechanicstutzsmanvideoMon, 20 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19970956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/20/man-born-without-arms-changes-brakes-on-car-with-his-feet/19970956/article-detail.xml 19970956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/changing-brakes-with-feet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/changing-brakes-with-feet.jpg <![CDATA[Citroën C3 Picasso recalled for ability to brake from passenger seat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/citroen-c3-picasso-recalled-for-ability-to-brake-from-passenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/citroen-c3-picasso-recalled-for-ability-to-brake-from-passenger/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/19/citroen-c3-picasso-recalled-for-ability-to-brake-from-passenger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

citroen c3 picasso

Citroën has inadvertently given back-seat drivers a powerful weapon. Well, not so much back-seat drivers... but the person in shotgun has the ability to bring everything to a screeching halt. Front-seat passengers are able to engage the brakes of the C3 Picasso.

How you ask?

No, not by grabbing the emergency brake. The Citroën C3 Picasso is offered in both right and left-hand drive configurations. When converting to right-hand drive, the left-hand drive brake components were left in place behind the footwell. If the passenger pushes in the right spot, he or she will activate the brakes. Not good.

Citroën is recalling approximately 20,000 vehicles to investigate this matter. However, the automaker has stated that is the first they've heard of the issue, which was revealed in a BBC News segment. Head over to BBC News for a video that demonstrates the C3 Picasso's braking issue.

Citroën C3 Picasso recalled for ability to brake from passenger seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcbbc newsbrakesc3c3 brakesc3 picassoc3 picasso brakescitroencitroen brakescitroen c3 picassoThu, 19 May 2011 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19945060/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/19/citroen-c3-picasso-recalled-for-ability-to-brake-from-passenger/19945060/article-detail.xml 19945060 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/citroen-c3-picasso_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/citroen-c3-picasso.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/mazda-reportedly-adding-brake-override-systems-to-all-future-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/mazda-reportedly-adding-brake-override-systems-to-all-future-mod/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/mazda-reportedly-adding-brake-override-systems-to-all-future-mod/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Mazda6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a recent report, Mazda will be installing brake override systems on all of its models in the near future. Whenever that happens, the brake will automatically get priority over the accelerator in a situation where both of them are simultaneously depressed. Nissan already has such a system installed on most of its cars, and Toyota has already pledged to do so. As far as Japan goes that leaves companies like Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Suzuki in the "Undecided" column.

A Mazda spokesman said the company wasn't aware of any unintended acceleration issues with its vehicles anywhere in the world that would necessitate such a system. This really looks to be a proactive move, since the estimated $50-per-car cost of the brake override will be much less hurtful than having to recall an untold numbers of cars... and you'll be paying for it, anyway. The company doesn't have details yet on the specifics of implementation, but it will eventually apply to every car the company sells.


Gallery: Geneva 2010: Mazda6


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mazda reportedly adding brake override systems to all future models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brake overrideBrakeOverridebrakesmazdatoyota recallToyotaRecallTue, 09 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19389784/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/09/mazda-reportedly-adding-brake-override-systems-to-all-future-mod/19389784/article-detail.xml 19389784 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/mazdabrakeoverr_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/mazdabrakeoverr.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/nissan-recalls-540-000-vehicles-for-brake-pedal-pin-fuel-gauge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/nissan-recalls-540-000-vehicles-for-brake-pedal-pin-fuel-gauge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/nissan-recalls-540-000-vehicles-for-brake-pedal-pin-fuel-gauge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Another day, another recall. This time Nissan is the automaker in question, recalling a total of 539,864 vehicles due to faulty brake pedal pins and fuel gauge components.

Nissan reports that three instances have been reported where brake pedal pins have partially disengaged, resulting in a loss of normal braking ability. Additionally, the fuel gauges in certain higher-mileage vehicles may incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. The automaker sites that no accidents or injuries have been reported with either issue, and that all of its new vehicles currently on sale are not affected by these problems.

Vehicles affected by the brake pedal pins are the 2008-2010 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56. Of those recalled brake pins, 178,916 are in the United States and 25,869 in other markets. As for the fuel gauge inaccuracies, this affects 2005-2008 Nissan Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56, as well as any Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra models produced between January and March of 2006 or between October 2007 and January 2008. This accounts for 418,865 vehicles in the U.S. and 53,253 elsewhere in the world.

Beginning this month, Nissan will be notifying all owners of the vehicles in question, and they will be able to bring the vehicles to any Nissan or Infiniti dealer to have the problems repaired at no charge. For vehicles affected by the fuel gauge issues, Nissan recommends that in the mean time owners maintain a fuel level of no less than a half-tank. Hit the jump for the full details in Nissan's press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems

Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Armadabrake pedal pinBrakePedalPinbrakesfuel gaugesFuelGaugesInfinitiInfiniti QX56InfinitiQx56nissanNissan ArmadaNissan FrontierNissan PathfinderNissan QuestNissan Titannissan xterraNissanArmadaNissanFrontierNissanPathfinderNissanQuestNissanTitanNissanXterrapathfinderquestqx56recalltitanXterraWed, 03 Mar 2010 13:23:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19381515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/03/nissan-recalls-540-000-vehicles-for-brake-pedal-pin-fuel-gauge/19381515/article-detail.xml 19381515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/armadaopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/armadaopt.jpg <![CDATA[Bad Brakes: Rust triumphs over Mercury Gran Marquis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/bad-brakes-rust-triumphs-over-mercury-gran-marquis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/bad-brakes-rust-triumphs-over-mercury-gran-marquis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/bad-brakes-rust-triumphs-over-mercury-gran-marquis/#commentsFiled under: ,

Talk About Bad Brakes - click above image for high-res gallery

There's surprisingly little to say here. "D'oh!" comes to mind, as does "Epic Fail." A picture of a spazzed out cat captioned with, "I can haz brakes?" would also work. As would a photo of Jill Wagner getting a tetanus shot. Other than that, um, you would think someone would have noticed something before it got this bad, right?

We've heard about wearing 'em down to the rotors, but this is just silly. And for all you heroic defenders of the mighty Panther platform about to come out of the woodwork, we agree - it's probably an aberration. But still... yeesh. Thanks to VW Vortex forum member barry2952 and the Gluckster for the tip!


Gallery: Bad Brakes

badbrakes50badbrakes60badbrakes70

[Source: VWVortex.com]

Bad Brakes: Rust triumphs over Mercury Gran Marquis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bad BrakesBadBrakesBrakesGran MarquisGranMarquisMercuryMercury Gran marquisMercuryGranMarquisRustRusty BrakesRustyBrakesTue, 25 Aug 2009 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19140265/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/25/bad-brakes-rust-triumphs-over-mercury-gran-marquis/19140265/article-detail.xml 19140265 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/badbrakes10_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/badbrakes10.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA institutes braking rules for large trucks, aims to cut stopping distances by 30%]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/nhtsa-institutes-braking-rules-for-large-trucks-aims-to-cut-sto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/nhtsa-institutes-braking-rules-for-large-trucks-aims-to-cut-sto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/nhtsa-institutes-braking-rules-for-large-trucks-aims-to-cut-sto/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The current standard for big rig braking is that a vehicle traveling at 60 mph needs to stop in 355 feet or less. It isn't entirely clear on what sort of distance most new heavy trucks need to brake from that speed, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is sharply reducing that distance for 2012 and beyond, with a new standard of 250 feet. NHTSA says the increased braking capabilities will save 227 lives per year, while averting over 300 serious injuries.

In theory, insurance companies will also receive a boost, as fewer accidents would save $169 million in property damages per year.

NHTSA says that the new standard will help usher in the newest brake technology into U.S. truck fleets. The government agency says that increased truck safety standards have resulted in fewer truck-related traffic fatalities in the U.S., as 2008 saw a 12% drop versus 2007. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA's official press release.

[Source: NHTSA | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Continue reading NHTSA institutes braking rules for large trucks, aims to cut stopping distances by 30%

NHTSA institutes braking rules for large trucks, aims to cut stopping distances by 30% originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250 feet250Feetbrakesbraking standardsBrakingStandardsnhtsatraffic safetyTrafficSafetytruck safetyTruckSafetyFri, 24 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19108795/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/24/nhtsa-institutes-braking-rules-for-large-trucks-aims-to-cut-sto/19108795/article-detail.xml 19108795 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/getty-big-rigs-lined-up-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/getty-big-rigs-lined-up-630.jpg <![CDATA[Does brake dust affect a car's quality? J.D. Power thinks so (w/POLL)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/does-brake-dust-affect-a-cars-quality-j-d-power-thinks-so-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/does-brake-dust-affect-a-cars-quality-j-d-power-thinks-so-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/does-brake-dust-affect-a-cars-quality-j-d-power-thinks-so-w/#commentsFiled under: ,



When wheels are covered with brake dust, the entire car looks dirty and in many cases, a basic wash will do little to rectify the problem. Most associate brake dust as a mere nuisance, but others actually see the sight of pad particles as a fundamental problem with the functionality of a vehicle's brakes. That may sound a bit strange to some, but J.D. Power seems to agree that brake dust is indeed a quality problem.

The long-running quality survey added brake dust as one of its 228 quality concerns back in 2006 in response to several survey-takers filling in "brake dust" as a write-in complaint. David Sargent, vice president for automotive research at J.D. Power, told The New York Times that brake dust is given the same weight as serious mechanical malfunctions. The reason, says Sargent, is that customers don't feel that brake dust is "trivial," and while malfunctions can be repaired, brake dust lingers for a very long time.

When asked by The Times why brake dust is even on a quality survey, Sargent mentioned that the survey gauges consumer perception, adding "the purpose of the study is to report back problems as defined by consumers."

Conversely, Consumer Reports does not use brake dust as a quality issue. Vehicle testing head Mark Champion admitted to the Times that cleaning brake dust is annoying, "but it is not actually a failure of the brakes." What say you? Hit the jump to take part in our poll.

[Source: NY Times Wheels Blog]

Continue reading Does brake dust affect a car's quality? J.D. Power thinks so (w/POLL)

Does brake dust affect a car's quality? J.D. Power thinks so (w/POLL) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brakebrake dustbrake padbrake padsbrake problemsBrakeDustBrakePadBrakePadsBrakeProblemsbrakesconsumer reportsConsumerReportsj.d. powerJ.d.Powerjd powerJDPJdPowerquality studyQualityStudyTue, 14 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19096203/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/07/14/does-brake-dust-affect-a-cars-quality-j-d-power-thinks-so-w/19096203/article-detail.xml 19096203 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/brake-dust580x_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/brake-dust580x.jpg <![CDATA[Brembo aims to mass produce carbon-ceramic brakes with new joint venture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/brembo-aims-to-mass-produce-carbon-ceramic-brakes-with-new-joint/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/brembo-aims-to-mass-produce-carbon-ceramic-brakes-with-new-joint/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/brembo-aims-to-mass-produce-carbon-ceramic-brakes-with-new-joint/#commentsFiled under:

New technologies always cost the early adopters big bucks. But higher demand leads to increased supply, and costs eventually go down to the level accessibly by the common man. So while carbon-ceramic brakes might be a big ticket item right now - often dipping into five figures as optional equipment on European exotica - Brembo has formed a new joint venture with carbon-fiber supplier SGL Group with the specific goal of mass-producing the brake technology for widespread application.

Carbon-ceramic brakes offer several major benefits over cast-iron discs -- specifically light weight and the ability to dissipate heat quickly, preventing fade -- with few drawbacks. The only downside is that the extant manufacturing process is labor-intensive, driving the cost up, which is why they're currently only available on high-end exotic supercars. Brembo SGL Carbon Ceramic Brakes, however, which just began operations at its Milan headquarters on the first of this month, aims to streamline the production of the rotors so that they can be implemented across the industry. (That's a good thing.) Scope out the press release below the fold for more details.

Continue reading Brembo aims to mass produce carbon-ceramic brakes with new joint venture

Brembo aims to mass produce carbon-ceramic brakes with new joint venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brake discsBrakeDiscsbrakesbrembobrembo brakesbrembo sgl carbon ceramic brakesBremboBrakesBremboSglCarbonCeramicBrakescarbon ceramiccarbon fiberCarbonCeramicCarbonFibercerbon ceramic brakesCerbonCeramicBrakessgl groupSglGroupthe carbon companyTheCarbonCompanyTue, 02 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19054968/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/02/brembo-aims-to-mass-produce-carbon-ceramic-brakes-with-new-joint/19054968/article-detail.xml 19054968 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/brembo_250_op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/brembo_250_op.jpg <![CDATA[Caparo touts safety features of T1, mandatory driver's ed. for owners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/caparo-touts-safety-features-of-t1-mandatory-drivers-ed-for-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/caparo-touts-safety-features-of-t1-mandatory-drivers-ed-for-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/14/caparo-touts-safety-features-of-t1-mandatory-drivers-ed-for-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

The recent spate of negative press hampering the Caparo T1 hasn't stopped the makers of the clichéd "road-going racecar" from releasing a host of details outlining the finer points of the T1's safety systems.

While the press release after the jump goes into detail about the Caparo's lightweight, yet extremely rigid, carbon fiber composite tub and energy-absorbing snout, and regurgitates all the impressive details and stats surrounding the AP-sourced braking setup that hauls down the 1,256-pound street-legal F1 car from 100 mph in under three seconds, it's the last bit about driver training that caught our attention.

It seems that all owners of the Caparo T1 are required to attend a training course that allows them to experience the vehicle's dynamic pleasures on a closed track. If the T1 is to be driven on the street - something that's legal in the UK, but not highly advised - owners will embark on a separate course that gives them the ins and outs of driving a vehicle with such high limits on public roads.

Caparo is touting the T1 as "one of the world's safest ultra-performance vehicles," although we'd probably ask Jason Plato's opinion first if we had the means of acquiring one.

[Source: Caparo]

Continue reading Caparo touts safety features of T1, mandatory driver's ed. for owners

Caparo touts safety features of T1, mandatory driver's ed. for owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apap brakesApBrakesbrakescaparocaparo brakescaparo t1CaparoBrakesCaparoT1driver educationdriver trainingDriverEducationdrivers educationDriversEducationDriverTrainingsafetyt1Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1063039/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/12/14/caparo-touts-safety-features-of-t1-mandatory-drivers-ed-for-o/1063039/article-detail.xml 1063039 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/131207-b-cap-250-op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/12/131207-b-cap-250-op.jpg <![CDATA[Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/brembo-buys-up-hayes-lemmerzs-north-american-brake-facilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/brembo-buys-up-hayes-lemmerzs-north-american-brake-facilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/brembo-buys-up-hayes-lemmerzs-north-american-brake-facilities/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Consolidation of aftermarket brake manufacturers seems to be all the rage recently, with Centric consuming both PowerSlot and Stoptech, and now, Brembo has bought out all of Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake-components division. The Italian parts manufacturer dolled out a cool $58 million for both the Homer, Michigan and Apodaca, Mexico facilities, and in the process acquired the company's 250 employees. We're hoping that the deal bodes well for those of us looking to upgrade our current stoppers with beefy, red Brembo calipers.

The full press release is posted after the jump.

Continue reading Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities

Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brakesbrembohayes lemmerzHayesLemmerzFri, 09 Nov 2007 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1035645/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/11/09/brembo-buys-up-hayes-lemmerzs-north-american-brake-facilities/1035645/article-detail.xml 1035645 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/brembo_250_op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/11/brembo_250_op.jpg <![CDATA[Pedestrian safety inspires EU to consider better brake requirement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/pedestrian-safety-inspires-eu-to-consider-better-brake-requireme/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/pedestrian-safety-inspires-eu-to-consider-better-brake-requireme/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/15/pedestrian-safety-inspires-eu-to-consider-better-brake-requireme/#commentsFiled under: ,



Every time we hear that the European Commission has come up with a new proposal for the car industry, the general consensus amongst the Autoblog team has been 'oh no, not another one.' This time around, the Commission's latest proposal actually makes sense to us and is something we'd like to see implemented in other parts of the globe. Officials on Monday proposed that all new cars be fitted with an advanced braking system that can detect an emergency and cut reaction times for applying the brakes.

The hope is that all cars from 2009 onwards will feature new Brake Assist Systems as part of a greater plan to protect pedestrians. The set-up works by releasing pressurized brake fluid into the braking system as soon as the driver touches the brake pedal, applying greater stopping power in an instant.

Up to 1,100 lives could be saved each year, according to European Union officials. The good news is that the auto industry is also backing the proposal and the costs involved are expected to be minimal.

[Source: Detroit News]

Pedestrian safety inspires EU to consider better brake requirement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brake Assist SystemBrakeAssistSystembrakesEUMon, 15 Oct 2007 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1008501/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/10/15/pedestrian-safety-inspires-eu-to-consider-better-brake-requireme/1008501/article-detail.xml 1008501 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/bedding_stoptech_big_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/bedding_stoptech_big.jpg <![CDATA[Brembo lands Lexus IS-F brake deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/13/brembo-lands-lexus-is-f-brake-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/13/brembo-lands-lexus-is-f-brake-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/13/brembo-lands-lexus-is-f-brake-deal/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above image for high-res pics of the Lexus IS-F

When the Lexus IS-F debuted at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, it was wearing a set of black painted calipers branded with the Lexus name. When the car officially goes on sale in the second quarter of 2008, it will be wearing a set of gold painted Brembos. Toyota has officially cut a deal with big name brake manufacturer Brembo to supply the stopping power for its high-performance IS-F sedan. It's the first time Toyota and Brembo have partnered, which makes sense considering the only car from Toyota that could go fast enough to require big-name braking power was probably the last generation Supra.

Of course, having your car wear Brembos isn't just about achieving excellent stopping distances, it's also about getting the Brembo name on your calipers, which carries a lot of weight with performance-minded consumers. With this deal, Toyota will be infusing the Lexus IS-F with some instanst cachet right out of the gate, though there are plenty of other areas in which the car will need to perform well to earn its stripes.

[Source: just-auto, sub. req'd]

Gallery: Lexus IS-F

Brembo lands Lexus IS-F brake deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brakebrakesbrembocaliperIS-FFri, 13 Apr 2007 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/873699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/13/brembo-lands-lexus-is-f-brake-deal/873699/article-detail.xml 873699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/32_2008-is-f_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/32_2008-is-f_450.jpg <![CDATA[The Autoblog Project Garage: Big-brake install, Part III]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/21/the-autoblog-project-garage-big-brake-install-part-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/21/the-autoblog-project-garage-big-brake-install-part-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/21/the-autoblog-project-garage-big-brake-install-part-iii/#commentsFiled under: ,



After dedicating the last several years to the pursuit of power and handling, we're finally putting forth an effort to slow down our car. Consider this to be an indicaton of hard-earned maturity (as opposed to our receding hairlines, which are just signs of getting old).

Our new parts showed up in the second installment of this write-up, and after leaving them out in the barn for several months, we finally found some time to improve the stopping ability of our 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS. With improved stopping ability only a few simple steps away, we'll be able to hit future autocrosses and open-track days with more confidence.

Continue reading The Autoblog Project Garage: Big-brake install, Part III

The Autoblog Project Garage: Big-brake install, Part III originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brakescaliperceramicCorvettegarageimpalakore3padsPBRprojectspindlesstrackupgradeSun, 21 Jan 2007 10:23:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/712128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/01/21/the-autoblog-project-garage-big-brake-install-part-iii/712128/article-detail.xml 712128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/impala-big-brake-26_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/impala-big-brake-26.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/autoblog-maintenance-project-garage-2006-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/autoblog-maintenance-project-garage-2006-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/autoblog-maintenance-project-garage-2006-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under: ,



In 2006, we spent a lot of time spinning wrenches here in the Autoblog Garage in the process of taking on common maintenance tasks and a few performance upgrades. For your convenience, we've compiled links to each of the posts after the jump.

We already have some things in the works for 2007, but we'd also love to get suggestions for additional posts from our readership. Keep in mind that we need projects that have a relatively broad appeal, and we're a bit limited in our selection of "test subjects"; beyond that, we're all ears, so please share your ideas.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up

Autoblog Maintenance/Project Garage: 2006 wrap-up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axlebrakesdifferentialfilterfluidgarageimpalaK2500liftlubemaintenance garageoil changeproject garageProjectGaragerepairroadmastertirestransmissionTue, 02 Jan 2007 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/727393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/01/02/autoblog-maintenance-project-garage-2006-wrap-up/727393/article-detail.xml 727393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/axle-prep-13_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/axle-prep-13.jpg <![CDATA[Die, Die, Die! - Things that should be euthanized in 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/die-die-die-things-that-should-be-euthanized-in-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/die-die-die-things-that-should-be-euthanized-in-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/21/die-die-die-things-that-should-be-euthanized-in-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,



(Ed. - The views expressed in this post are those of Dan Roth and not Autoblog in general. Dan asked if he could channel the grumpy old man inside of him, and for better or worse, we took off his leash.)

Our morning commute often gives us time to contemplate our navels, as the traffic engineers haven't spent enough time with TrafficSim around here. When the radio gets too boring, it's always interesting to analyze the vehicles around us. Here's some stuff we think is gangrenous, and some is just crap.

Toyota Camry Solara
Please go away. You're ugly. Yes, yes, you're a Camry, rah rah. You're ugly. Especially the convertible. Please just give us a two-door version of your only mildly less ugly Camry sedan sibling, if you must.

Big cars that were once small
The Civic was once a small car, now it's almost as big as Accords once were. The Nissan Versa and Dodge Caliber are similarly not-too-small cars being marketed on the pretense of being compact. The Fit is a step in the right direction, and we realize that all the required safety gear makes light cars largely a thing of the past, but the efficiency-lovers among us can't square the fact that these cars were once small and efficient, and now they're larger and less efficient.

Follow the jump for more items on the hit list.

Continue reading Die, Die, Die! - Things that should be euthanized in 2007

Die, Die, Die! - Things that should be euthanized in 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automatic transmissionsAutomaticTransmissionsbrakesCamry SolaraCamrySolaraDesigndrum brakesDrumBrakesElectronicsICENav SystemsNavSystemsobsoleterantssmall carsSmallCarsTechnologyThu, 21 Dec 2006 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/722972/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/12/21/die-die-die-things-that-should-be-euthanized-in-2007/722972/article-detail.xml 722972 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/10_07_solara_coupe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/12/10_07_solara_coupe.jpg -1 2